The Greatest Russian, British "Suspense, Fiction, Historical fiction" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Suspense

Suspense is a genre of literature that is characterized by a feeling of tension, uncertainty, and anxiety that keeps the reader on edge and engaged throughout the story. It typically involves a protagonist who is facing a dangerous or threatening situation, and the plot is driven by the anticipation of what might happen next. Suspense novels often feature unexpected twists and turns, and the reader is left guessing until the very end. This genre is popular among readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction.

Fiction

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 1. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

    "Life After Life" follows the story of Ursula Todd who is born and dies repeatedly in February 1910. Each time Ursula dies, her life restarts, with each successive life bringing different circumstances and decisions. The novel explores themes of fate, free will, and the infinite possibilities of existence. Through Ursula's many lives, the narrative provides different perspectives on significant historical events, including both World Wars.

    The 1684th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Fatherland by Robert Harris

    Set in an alternate history where Nazi Germany won World War II, the novel follows a German detective who uncovers a vast conspiracy while investigating a murder. As he delves deeper into the case, he realizes that the government is hiding a monumental secret that could shake the very foundations of the Reich. His pursuit of the truth leads him into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the state's oppressive security forces, challenging his loyalty to the regime and forcing him to confront the moral complexities of a world dominated by fascism.

    The 1775th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins

    In this gripping World War II thriller, a group of German paratroopers is given a secret mission to kidnap Winston Churchill from a remote village in England. As they meticulously plan their operation, tensions rise within the team, and unexpected alliances are formed. With a race against time and the fate of the war hanging in the balance, the paratroopers must navigate treacherous obstacles and face their own inner demons to complete their daring mission.

    The 2055th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Key To Rebecca by Ken Follett

    The novel is a gripping World War II espionage thriller set in North Africa, where an elusive German spy, armed with a powerful secret code named after a classic novel, is transmitting critical information to Rommel's Afrika Korps in their campaign against the British. The British intelligence is in a desperate race against time to intercept and decode the messages, and they deploy a resourceful and determined young officer to track down the spy. Amidst the backdrop of war-torn cities and treacherous desert landscapes, a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues, with the fate of the North African campaign hanging in the balance.

    The 5077th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Past Caring by Robert Goddard

    In "Past Caring" by Robert Goddard, a mysterious painting leads Martin Radford on a quest to uncover the truth about his family's past. As he delves into the secrets and scandals of his ancestors, Martin becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. With each revelation, he is forced to confront his own identity and question the motives of those around him. This gripping thriller takes readers on a thrilling journey through the dark underbelly of the past, exploring themes of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of the truth.

    The 5478th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Spies by Michael Frayn

    In the novel, two boys, Stephen and Keith, live in a quiet English suburb during World War II. Keith's mother becomes the object of their spy games when they suspect her of being a German spy. As the boys delve deeper into their espionage, they uncover secrets that change their understanding of their families, their neighborhood, and themselves. The story is a poignant exploration of childhood innocence, friendship, and the loss of innocence that comes with knowledge.

    The 6545th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

    "The Little Stranger" is a gothic novel set in post-World War II Britain, where a country doctor becomes involved with an aristocratic family living in a crumbling mansion. The doctor becomes increasingly entangled with the family as he attempts to unravel the mystery of a malevolent presence that seems to be causing accidents and illness. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the haunting may be more psychological than supernatural, reflecting the decline of the British class system and the trauma of war.

    The 6736th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. A Quiet Belief In Angels by R. J. Ellory

    This novel follows the life of Joseph Vaughan, a boy growing up in a small Georgia town during the 1930s and 1940s, who is haunted by a series of brutal murders of young girls. As the community is ravaged by fear and suspicion, Joseph makes a vow to protect its children. However, the killings continue over the years, shadowing Joseph's life even as he moves away, shaping his destiny. The narrative weaves a tale of mystery, loss, and a quest for justice, deeply exploring the themes of evil, redemption, and the enduring power of belief amidst the darkest circumstances.

    The 7145th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The North Water by Ian McGuire

    "The North Water" by Ian McGuire is a dark historical fiction novel set in the 19th century that follows the journey of a whaling ship called the Volunteer and its crew as they embark on a dangerous voyage to the Arctic. The protagonist, Patrick Sumner, a disgraced surgeon, joins the crew as they set out on the perilous journey. However, the voyage takes a disturbing turn when they encounter a psychopathic harpooner named Henry Drax, who is capable of unspeakable acts of violence. The novel explores themes of morality, survival, and the human condition in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

    The 9037th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Labyrinth by Kate Mosse

    Set in the south of France, "Labyrinth" intertwines two compelling storylines separated by eight centuries. In the present day, a young archaeologist stumbles upon a cave and finds two skeletons and a labyrinth pattern, drawing her into a mystery that echoes back to the past. In the year 1209, a spirited young woman becomes the guardian of an ancient book believed to reveal the secrets of the Holy Grail. As both women face danger and betrayal, their tales converge, revealing a history of crusades, secrets, and a powerful relic that has shaped the region's destiny. The novel weaves historical detail with a tale of adventure and enduring love, as the past and present collide in a race to safeguard a long-hidden truth.

    The 9367th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney

    Set in the 1860s, the novel tells the story of a small Canadian town rocked by the brutal murder of a French trapper. When a local woman's adopted son becomes the prime suspect, she embarks on a perilous journey through the wilderness to clear his name. Along the way, she uncovers a complex web of deceit and corruption within her community, while also coming to terms with her own past. The narrative is a gripping blend of mystery, adventure and historical fiction.

    The 11009th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Pure by Andrew Miller

    Set in pre-revolutionary France, the novel follows a young engineer who is tasked with demolishing an overflowing cemetery in Paris. As he undertakes this macabre task, he encounters a variety of characters, including a rebellious nun, a gravedigger, and a family living on the cemetery grounds. The book explores themes of mortality, the inevitability of progress, and the fragility of existence, all set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of dramatic change.

    The 11035th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download